Spain is a strategic country for Australia-EU relations

The Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Australia emphasised the interest in internationalisation among companies and investors in the two countries

Due to its geographic and strategic position, Spain could be considered a key player for Australia’s relations with the European Union. The Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Australia, Timothy Kane, made this statement during his address at a breakfast briefing hosted by Executive Forum España and Voz Pópuli with the support of Ferrovial, which was also attended by the Spain Australia Council Foundation.

Timothy Kane emphasised Australia’s growing interest in Spain as an investment and business destination, particularly in light of Brexit and the Australian’s Government desire to sign a free-trade agreement with the European Union.

As an example of Australia’s presence in the Spanish market, the Chargé d’Affaires mentioned the acquisition of EMPARK by Macquarie, Polyglot’s cooperation with Elecnor and the inauguration of RMIT University’s new campus in Barcelona in September.

Timothy Kane stated that we will probably see more Australian investments in Spain soon and highlighted the healthcare, pharma, agribusiness and automotive industries as being the most appealing for Australian investors.

Kane also mentioned that Australia plans to carry out large infrastructure projects which will entail massive opportunities for the internationalisation of Spanish companies.

Among the most interesting projects in the pipeline, Kane emphasised the construction of a high-speed railway line between Sydney and Canberra, as well as desalination and water management plants.

According to Timothy Kane, over 80 Spanish companies are already operating in Australia, most of which are large companies, so he encouraged SMEs to base their head offices for the Pacific region in Australia. Some of the reasons he gave to encourage Spanish investment in the country were Australia’s 27 years of continued economic growth, the solidity of its democratic institutions and the transparency of its regulatory system.